Baby crying after feeding: gas, reflux and discomfort
This guide has been retired. Therapy O'Clock is a mental-health library for adults, and questions about a baby's or toddler's feeding, crying, sleep or illness belong with your health visitor, GP, pharmacist or NHS 111.
On this page
Who to ask about your baby or toddler
- Health visitor or GP: feeding, crying, sleep and development questions. In Ireland, ask your public health nurse or GP; in Canada, your family doctor or public health nurse; in the UAE, your paediatrician or family doctor.
- Pharmacist: before giving any medicine, including pain relief. They will check which medicine, if any, is right for your child's age and weight.
- NHS 111 (UK): urgent advice when you are not sure what to do, day or night.
Call 999 or your local emergency number if your baby or child
- has difficulty breathing, is grunting, or the skin between their ribs pulls in with each breath
- is floppy, unresponsive or very hard to wake
- has a fit (seizure)
- has blue, grey or very pale lips, skin or tongue
- has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
Call your GP or NHS 111 the same day if
- a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38C or higher
- your baby is not feeding, or has far fewer wet nappies than usual
- they are being sick again and again, or the sick is green
- the crying is very different from usual, high-pitched, or will not stop
- you are worried, even if you cannot say why: trust your instinct
Looking after yourself
A baby who will not settle can leave any parent exhausted, tearful or frightened by their own frustration. If you feel you might lose control, put your baby down somewhere safe, such as their cot, leave the room for a few minutes and call someone. Low mood, anxiety or intrusive thoughts after having a baby are common and treatable: talk to your GP or health visitor. Our guides on parenting are for you as a parent, and adults can find a professional for support for themselves.